Mission Statement Homestead Schools, Inc. is dedicated to providing high-quality, career-specific training to qualified individuals who upon graduation can apply the education and skills acquired in their chosen fields to enhance their earning potential and become productive members of the society. To achieve this goal, we’ve designed a curriculum that conforms to the nationally accepted standards, we employ qualified instructors with professional experience and commitment, and we provide superior teaching/learning tools to enrich the educational process. What Do Medical Assistants Actually Do? Medical assistants have a great deal of variety in their jobs and are cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties. About 6 out of 10 medical assistants work in the offices of physicians; many work with podiatrists, chiropractors, and other healthcare practitioners and in medical clinics. They should not be confused with physician assistants who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. Duties of medical assistants vary from office to office depending on location, size, and specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are generalists, handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators. Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping. Clinical duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Medical assistants also may arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean. Ophthalmic medical assistants and podiatric medical assistants are examples of specialized assistants who have additional duties. Ophthalmic medical assistants help ophthalmologists provide eye care. They conduct diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test eye muscle function. They also show patients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses, and they apply eye dressings. Under the direction of the physician, ophthalmic medical assistants may administer eye medications. They also maintain optical and surgical instruments and may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery. Podiatric medical assistants make castings of feet, expose and develop x rays, and assist podiatrists in surgery. Source: U.S. Department of Labor; www.bls.gov Training, Working Conditions, and Advancement Most employers prefer graduates of formal programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Postsecondary programs usually last either one year, resulting in a certificate or diploma, or two years, resulting in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. Accredited programs include an internship that provides practical experience in physicians’ offices, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. Formal training in medical assisting, while generally preferred, is not always required. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, although this practice is less common than in the past. Applicants usually need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Recommended high school courses include mathematics, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers, and office skills. Volunteer experience in the healthcare field also is helpful. Although medical assistants are not licensed, some states require them to take a test or a course before they can perform certain tasks, such as taking x rays or giving injections. Medical assistants work in well-lighted, clean environments. They constantly interact with other people and may have to handle several responsibilities at once. Most full-time medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. Many work part time, evenings, or weekends. Medical assistants deal with the public; therefore, they must be neat and well groomed and have a courteous, pleasant manner. Medical assistants must be able to put patients at ease and explain physicians’ instructions. They must respect the confidential nature of medical information. Clinical duties require a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity. Medical assistants may be able to advance to office manager. They may qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations or may teach medical assisting. With additional education, some enter other health occupations, such as nursing and medical technology. Is Medical Assisting For You? Are you looking for a meaningful job? Do you like helping others? Do you have an interest in health and medicine? Are you a “people person”? Are you good at multitasking-switching tasks throughout the workday? Do you like variety in your job? Would you like to enter a career in an expanding field? If you answered “yes” to five or more of these questions, then medical assisting is the right career choice for you. Medical assistants enjoy an exciting, challenging career providing patient care in medical offices and clinics using entry-level competencies. Employment Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014 as the healthcare industry expands because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population. Increasing utilization of medical assistants in the rapidly growing healthcare industry will further stimulate job growth. In fact, medical assisting is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the 2004-14 period. Employment growth will be driven by the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly the flexible medical assistant who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work primarily in outpatient settings, a rapidly growing sector of the healthcare industry. In view of the preference of many healthcare employers for trained personnel, job prospects should be best for medical assistants with formal training or experience. Employment Assistance The school provides career counseling and makes available to its graduates referrals for jobs in the field. However, the school cannot guarantee employment. Earnings The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of medical assistants were $24,610 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,650 and $28,930. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,010, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $34,650. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of medical assistants in May 2004 were: Colleges, universities, and professional schools $27,490 Outpatient care centers $25,360 General medical and surgical hospitals $25,160 Offices of physicians $24,930 Offices of other health practitioners $21,930 Source: Department of Labor Program Objectives The overall objective of this program is to provide the graduate with the didactic theory and clinical experience required to function in an entry-level position as a medical assistant. The program is designed to provide students with extensive and comprehensive training in body structure and functions of various body systems. Students will develop a working knowledge of specimen collection and various laboratory procedures, such as infection control, venipuncture, EKG, injections, and sterilization. Students will also learn proper techniques in assisting in minor surgical procedures and preparation of patients for diagnostic tests. Students will receive training to be certified in CPR. Students will develop administrative skills such as patient scheduling, obtaining and maintaining patient data, medical office bookkeeping, insurance billing, and automated office information management, including typing, computerized billing and Microsoft Word. Graduates will be qualified for entry level positions in the medical field such as: medical assistant, front office and/or back office, insurance biller, phlebotomist, EKG technician, medical office manager, medical office bookkeeping clerk, etc. Admissions Requirements Students seeking admission to the medical assisting program must meet the following basic requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age; Must possess a high-school diploma or GED equivalent, Must be proficient in English; Pass an entrance exam and/or Wonderlic or CPAT entrance exam. The test is designed to measure one’s scholastic level. For the medical assistant program, the applicant must get a score of 15 on the Wonderlic SLE and 130 on the CPAT. In addition, the applicant will be interviewed by the program director who’ll determine the individual’s interest and motivation. Student’s attitude and willingness to make sacrifices play an important part in the eventual success in the program. Students are expected to make a serious commitment of time and money while undergoing training as medical assistant. The interview process is designed to impress upon the students the need for such a commitment. Policy of Non-Discrimination Homestead Schools, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Homestead Schools, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, physical handicap, race, natural origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, creed or religion in its admission to or treatment in its programs and activities, including advertising, training, placement, and employment. This policy applies to hiring of all positions and admission of all students into all programs. Students with special needs such as physical or mental handicaps or learning disabilities are considered for admission provided they meet the entrance requirements. The program director is responsible for accepting students and determining whether applicants, including those with special needs, can benefit from the training. Curriculum The goal of the medical assisting program is to ensure that at its conclusion students attain the necessary entry-level competencies required of the profession. We do this through effective, documented instructional methodologies that permit the achievement of designated competency levels essential to the specific occupational objective. The following curriculum is based on the standards promulgated by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Professionalism project a positive attitude maintain confidentiality at all times be a “team player” be cognizant of ethical boundaries exhibit initiative adapt to change evidence a responsible attitude be courteous and diplomatic conduct work within scope of education, training, and ability Communication be attentive, listen, and learn be impartial and show empathy when dealing with patients adapt what is said to the recipient’s level of comprehension serve as liaison between physician and others use proper telephone techniques interview effectively use appropriate medical terminology receive, organize, prioritize, and transmit information expediently recognize and respond to verbal and non-verbal communication use correct grammar, spelling and formatting techniques in written words principles of verbal and nonverbal communication recognition and response to verbal and non-verbal communication adaptation for individualized needs application of electronic technology fundamental writing skills professional components allied health professions and credentialing Administrative Duties perform basic secretarial skills prepare and maintain medical records schedule and monitor appointments apply computer concepts for office procedures locate resources and information for patients and employers manage physician’s professional schedule and travel schedule inpatient and outpatient admissions file medical records prepare a bank statement and deposit record reconcile a bank statement post entries on a day sheet perform billing and collection procedures prepare a check establish and maintain a petty cash fund post adjustments process credit balance process refunds post NSF funds post collection agency payments apply managed care policies and procedures obtain managed care referrals and pre-certification perform diagnostic code complete insurance claim forms use physician fee schedule Clinical Duties interview and record patient history prepare patients for procedures apply principles of aseptic techniques and infection control take vital signs recognize emergencies perform first aid and CPR prepare and maintain examination and treatment area prepare patient for and assist physician with routine and specialty examinations and treatments and minor office surgeries use quality control collect and process specimens perform selected CLIA-waived tests (i.e., kit tests such as pregnancy, quick strep, dip sticks) that assist with diagnosis and treatment screen and follow up patient test results prepare and administer oral and parenteral medications as directed by physician maintain medication and immunization records wrap items for autoclaving perform sterilization techniques dispose of biohazardous materials practice standard precautions perform venipuncture perform capillary puncture obtain throat specimen for microbiological testing perform wound collection procedure for microbiological testing instruct patients in the collection of a clean-catch mid-stream urine specimen instruct patient in the collection of fecal specimen perform urinalysis perform hematology perform chemistry testing perform immunology testing perform microbiology testing perform electrocardiograms perform respiratory testing perform telephone and in-person screening Legal Concepts determine needs for documentation and reporting document accurately use appropriate guidelines when releasing records or information follow established policy in initiating or terminating medical treatment dispose of controlled substances in compliance with government regulations maintain licenses and accreditation monitor legislation related to current healthcare issues and practices perform risk management procedures Office Management maintain physical plant operate and maintain facilities and perform routine maintenance of administrative and clinical equipment safely inventory equipment and supplies evaluate and recommend equipment and supplies for practice maintain liability coverage exercise efficient time management Instruction orient patients to office policies and procedures instruct patients with special needs teach patients methods of health promotion and disease prevention orient and train personnel Financial Management use manual and computerized bookkeeping systems implement current procedural terminology and ICD-9 coding analyze and use current third-party guidelines for reimbursement manage accounts payable and receivable maintain records for accounting and banking purposes process employee payroll The curriculum addresses the following procedures, learning experiences, evaluation methods, and externship requirements: The administrative and clinical procedures as stated in the program’s performance objectives. The procedures focus on the skills or tasks a student must master and the entry-level competencies. The performance level is based on entry-level requirements consisting of the specific skill to be mastered, the conditions under which the student is expected to perform the task, and the standard of performance for the task. Learning experiences designed for the achievement of the performance objectives. The methods of instruction (lecture, demonstrations, role-playing, etc.) must be appropriate to the performance objectives. Evaluation methods documenting student achievement of knowledge and skills required of entry-level medical assistants. Appropriate methods of evaluation are developed for both classroom and externship learning. Appropriate structure of the externship portion of the program to include experience in applying knowledge, performing administrative and clinical procedures, and in developing professional attitudes for interaction with other professionals and clients. The following courses are included within the curriculum: Orientation Introduction and review of program Employment outlook General responsibilities Anatomy and Physiology Anatomy and physiology Diet and nutrition Study of diseases and etiology All body systems Diagnostic/treatment modalities Medical Terminology Basic structure of medical words (roots, prefixes, suffixes, spelling and definitions) Combining word elements to form medical words Medical specialties and short forms Medical abbreviations Medical Law and Ethics Ethical decisions, medical jurisprudence and confidentiality Legal terminology pertaining to office practice Medical/ethical issues in today’s society Risk management Psychology of Human Relations Dealing with difficult patients with normal/abnormal behavior Caring for patients with special and specific needs Caring for cancer and terminally ill patients Emotional crises/patients and/or family Various treatment protocols Basic principles Developmental stages of the life cycle Hereditary, cultural, and environmental influences on behavior standards Pharmacology Occupational math and metric conversions (drug calculations) Use of PDRs and medication books Common abbreviations used in prescription writing Legal aspects of writing prescriptions FDA and state laws Medications prescribed for the treatment of illness and disease based on a systems method Medical Office Business Procedures/Management Manual and computerized records management Patient case histories (confidentiality) Filing Appointments and scheduling Inventory/control Financial management Basic bookkeeping Billing and collections Purchasing Banking and payroll Insurance (including HMO’s, PPO’s, co-pays, CPT coding, etc.) Equipment and supplies (including ordering/maintaining/storage/inventory) Reception, public and interpersonal relations Telephone techniques Professional conduct and appearance Professional office environment and safety Office safety and security Basic Keyboarding Office machines, computerized systems/medical data processing Medical correspondence and medical reports Medical terminology review Medical Office Clinical Procedures Basic clinical skills (e.g., vital signs) Basic skills and procedures used in medical emergencies Patient examination Patient histories Patient preparation Physical exam Instruments Assisting the physician Housekeeping Medical equipment Electrocardiogram, centrifuge, etc. Physical therapy Radiography Safety Patient preparation Radiography of chest and extremeties Medical asepsis/sterilization and minor office surgery Specialties First aid, CPR Injections (dosage calculations): IM Subq ID Universal precautions in the medical office Medical Laboratory Procedures Orientation Laboratory equipment and maintenance Safety Storage of chemicals and supplies Fire safety Care of microscope (introduction) Urinalysis Specimen collection Physical exam Chemical analysis Microscopic exam Hematology Personal protective equipment Specimen collection Venipuncture Finger puncture Hemoglobin Hematocrit WBC RBC Slide preps Serology Blood typing Blood morphology Quality Control Basic blood chemistries Principles of IV therapy HIV/AIDS and bloodborne pathogens OSHA compliance rules and regulations Career Development Instruction regarding externship rules and regulations Job search, professionalism and success Goal setting, time management, employment opportunities Resume writing, interviewing techniques and follow-up Dress for success

1. If you are not satisfied with the quality of our course material, you can return the course within 90 days and receive a prompt and full refund (less shipping and handling). All courses must be completed within 12 months from the date of purchase.

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3. The completion date on your certificate is the date we receive your exam. Allow 5 working days for the issuance and mailing of your certificate. To help you meet your deadline for the certificate, we offer 24-hour Express Service and Fax Service. Details included in your course material.

4. You’ll need 70% correct score on the post-test for the successful completion of the course.

5. It's the licensee's responsibility to make sure that the course is suitable for acceptance by the respective board.

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